Model, entrepreneur and award-winning content creator Zabelo Hlabisa is passionate about the environment, and is working hard to make a difference in her own community.
Zabelo describes herself as a “simple girl” who loves simple things. But the truth is, there’s nothing ordinary about this kind-hearted woman from Umhlanga. She has been modelling for the last 16 years, having been encouraged to enter a competition by her mom when she was just 10 years old and living near Newcastle in northern KZN. “It was all about the prizes back then,” she laughs. “I remember when I won my first pageant, I won a kitchen set and I gave it to my grandmother. She was so happy and that made me want to do more so that I could just see her smile. I always want to do something for my loved ones, even if it’s the smallest things.”
Over the years, Zabelo grew to love modelling. “Modelling helped me grow as a person. It has boosted my self-esteem and given me a sense of achievement,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to do things that people didn’t believe I could.” With a diploma in Office Management and Technology, and plans to complete a master’s degree in Management Sciences, she now runs her own modelling school where she trains girls and young women. She also teaches entrepreneurial skills and many of her students go on to start their own businesses.
Three years ago, after consulting with a friend in the industry, Zabelo began her career in content creation. In a relatively short space of time, she managed to grow her social media following considerably, and last year, she was the proud recipient of the BRICS and SCO Young Media Influencer of the Year Award, for which she was celebrated at a ceremony in Russia. Working as a content creator has opened many new doors for Zabelo, and she enjoys the opportunities it presents her. “I love that I get to work with my favourite brands,” she says. “I get to travel the world and meet new people.” Through her work, she has cultivated an interest in marketing and would love to open her own branding business in the future.
“Water is not a luxury, but a necessity,” she says. “It starts with me and you to save this planet.”
As a social entrepreneur, Zabelo works with several companies and NPOs, but she says environmental causes are particularly close to her heart. One of the projects she works closely with is the I Own My Own Tree campaign, which encourages young people to plant trees. She has also partnered with an event agency to start a campaign called Earthy Blossoming Smiles, which involves the collection of flowers from events so that they can be repurposed and donated to government hospitals and hospices – this minimises waste and brings a smile to patients. One of her most recent projects is raising awareness and funds for sustainable plans in communities that don’t have access to water. Water is not a luxury, but a necessity,” she says. “It starts with me and you to save this planet.”
When Zabelo isn’t travelling or working on one of her many projects, she says she tries to get as much rest as she can. She has recently started going to the gym, has plans to join a boxing club and enjoys hiking and reading. She absolutely loves life in Umhlanga. “It’s safe, it’s beautiful; it motivates me to be better,” she says. “As a girl from a rural area, this place makes me want to do more for myself.”
Details: IG: @zabeloh_hlabisa
Text: Jennifer Campbell
Photographs: Chris Allan Photo Makeup: Michelle Haywood Outfits: Elula
Location: Waterberry Café
